News Release
Media Contact:
Christina Chavira
Communications Specialist
530.332.5589 office; 530.588.4411 cell
christina.chavira@enloe.org
Enloe to co-host ostomy health fair Featuring
guest speaker, Great Comeback Award Winner
Randy Henniger
CHICO, Calif., Oct. 26, 2012 – Enloe’s Annual Ostomy Supply and Product Fair, co-hosted with the Chico Ostomy Association, will be held Thursday, Nov. 4 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Enloe’s Conference Center, 1528 Esplanade. This year the free public event includes a presentation by a guest speaker, Randy Henniger, who has not only beat the odds against colon cancer but has gone on to give back to the community in many inspiring ways.
The Ostomy and Supply fair will feature new and helpful ostomy products offered by manufacturers, as well as an opportunity for attendees to ask questions of Enterostomal Therapists, learn of available resources, participate in learning sessions and network with fellow ostomates.
At 2 p.m., Henniger will deliver a presentation of his experiences as an ostomy patient as well as inspiration, humor and helpful perspective for other ostomates. He was diagnosed with Stage 3 Colon Cancer at age 30 and received a prognosis for a 30 percent chance for long-term survival. Now, 26 years later, Henniger is the father of two and husband of 34 years. He has been awarded the 2011 Western Region Great Comeback Award. The award is given by Rolf Benirschke’s Great Comeback Organization to individuals who have survived ostomy surgery and have performed charitable outreach.
Through his journey, Henniger has realized the reward of work that involves giving back to the Ostomy community. Henniger began volunteering for the American Cancer Society shortly after his recovery, then in early 2000 began volunteering with the Colon Cancer Alliance. Eventually Henniger's volunteer efforts turned into a full-time position as a Patient Support Advocate with the Colon Cancer Alliance. In addition, Henniger provides community service to wounded soldiers, through a surfing program. Henniger is a member of the United Ostomy Association of America, and recently authored a book entitled “The Battle Won: A Family’s Journey Together to Beat Cancer,” earlier this year. Henniger has also hiked Mt. Whitney twice. More about Randy can be found on his website: www.randyhenniger.com
For more information about the fair, community members may call (530) 332-7144.
Ostomies are a surgically created opening in the body to divert urine or stool to the outside of the body. Each year about 25 people in Chico become ostomates. Prevention of colo-rectal cancer and maintaining good colon health are the best way to prevent the need for an ostomy.
# # #
Enloe Medical Center is a local, nonprofit health care organization. For more information, please call 530/332-7300 or visit us online at http://www.enloe.org. Enloe Medical Center is located at 1531 Esplanade Chico, Calif. 95926.
Enloe is a SAFE SURRENDER SITE.